What is the Difference Between Glucoside and Glycoside?

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The main difference between glucoside and glycoside lies in the type of sugar group attached to the non-sugar group in the molecule. Here are the key points:

  • Glucoside: A glucoside is a glycoside derived from glucose. It is a molecule in which glucose is attached to a non-sugar group via a glycosidic bond. Glucosides are common in plants but rare in animals. The molecular formula of a glucoside is C18H36O6.
  • Glycoside: A glycoside is a molecule in which a sugar group, such as a monosaccharide, disaccharide, or oligosaccharide, is attached to a non-sugar group via a glycosidic bond. The molecular formula of a glycoside is C45H74O18.

In summary, the key difference between glucoside and glycoside is that glucosides specifically contain glucose as their sugar molecule, while glycosides can contain a variety of different sugar groups.

Comparative Table: Glucoside vs Glycoside

Here is a table summarizing the differences between glucosides and glycosides:

Property Glucoside Glycoside
Definition A molecule in which glucose is attached to a non-sugar group via a glycosidic bond. A molecule in which a sugar group (such as monosaccharide, disaccharide, or oligosaccharide) is attached to a non-sugar group via a glycosidic bond.
Sugar Component Contains glucose as the sugar component. Can include a variety of sugar components, such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, or oligosaccharides.
Molecular Formula C18H36O6. C45H74O18.
Hydrolysis Yields glucose when hydrolyzed. Yields a variety of sugars depending on the glycoside.
Classification A specific type of glycoside. An umbrella term for compounds with a sugar moiety bonded to another group.
Occurrence More common in plants and very rare in animals. Can be found in both plants and animals.

In summary, the primary difference between glucosides and glycosides lies in the type of sugar present. Glucosides specifically contain glucose, whereas glycosides can include a variety of sugar components. Glucosides are a type of glycoside, but not every glycoside is a glucoside.